Board and Staff
Board of Directors
Our Dedicated Board
The membership of the Historical Society elects the Board of Directors. The Board must have a minimum of seven members and can have up to eleven members. The Board elects officers, sets policies, approves budgets and manages the properties, programs and events of the Historical Society. Board meetings, open to members, are held monthly at the museum on the fourth Tuesday.
2026 OFFICERS
2026 Members
If you would like information on becoming a Board Member, please call the museum at 503-678-5754 for an application packet.
Hard-working Staff
Staff
Our devoted staff at the Aurora Colony Historical Society welcomes the opportunity to help you in every way possible.
For general questions, please email info@auroracolony.org or call 503-678-5754.
Jennifer Burns, Executive Director
Jennifer@auroracolony.org
Jennifer came to ACHS in early 2021 to focus on fundraising, community engagement and relevance, and operations. She graduated Linfield College in McMinnville, holds a master’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and has a certificate in museum studies from the University of Washington. Her previous experience includes work as the Heritage Project Manager for Clackamas County and as the Curator of Collections for the High Point Museum in North Carolina.
Sean eberle, program manager
SEAN@auroracolony.org
Sean joined ACHS in Spring, 2026. Born and raised in Missouri, he holds a degree in history from Truman State University and a Master’s in Youth Development from University of Missouri, Columbia. He brings experience working with youth and volunteers through his time with Missouri 4-H. Reach out to Sean if interested in volunteering with the Aurora Colony Museum or Stauffer-Will Farm program.
Heidi Smith, MarketinG Coordinator
heidi@auroracolony.org
Heidi joined ACHS in early 2025. Born in Salem, Oregon, and raised in Southern California, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from San Diego State University. She brings more than a decade of experience working on corporate marketing and design teams, along with over ten years running her own small business focused on handcrafted goods and freelance design. Outside of work, Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and exploring the Pacific Northwest. Her interests include visiting the coast, camping, gardening, thrifting, and pursuing a wide range of creative projects.
bobbie redington, Facilities & Properties Manager
bobbie@auroracolony.org
Bobbie joined ACHS in May 2026 after retiring from a 30-year career in corporate facilities management. Drawn by a desire to support the community and learn more about the rich history of Aurora—a favorite destination for shopping and exploring—she quickly became involved with the organization.
An avid reader with a particular love for historical fiction, Bobbie also enjoys gardening both indoors and outdoors, decorative painting, and a variety of crafts. She serves as a board member of the Canby Library and volunteers at the Friends of the Library bookstore.
Bobbie lives in Canby with her husband, Bill, and their beloved dog, Parker.
Betty Spuur, guest services
Before retiring, Betty worked in administration, customer service, and education and training at IBM’s Beaverton site, where she also served as a virtual Worldwide Classroom Administrator. After living in Mt. Angel, she joined the Aurora Colony Museum, where she is now an essential team member and one of the friendly faces welcoming visitors at the Front Desk.
Betty moved to Beaverton, Oregon, in 1977 — the year the Portland Trail Blazers won their championship — arriving with four cats, one dog, a VW Bug, and a 1952 MG TD. She was married for 56 years to her husband, a tech writer, and together they had one son and three grandsons. In her free time, Betty enjoys knitting, weekly senior Tai Chi classes, and reading, especially the British humor of P.G. Wodehouse. She also fulfilled a lifelong dream by completing a solo skydive.
SUE GRIDLEY, guest services
Stauffer-Will Farm Interpreters
Lauren Ettlin, Sasha Keown, Ryan Kyllo, Joanne MacDonald, Cam Miller, Julie Riordan, Mija Sanders
Interpreter Trainer: Christina Leder
